How YOU can help save CASA funding

In times like this, when a situation seems unfathomable and hopeless, it's easy to be paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. Washington faces the potential of being caught with a staggering $8 billion deficit. When $8 billion is on the line, how do you begin to solve the problem? The answer is simple, and not terribly complicated: you start small, with baby steps. That's exactly Washington State CASA's approach to restoring our state funding. We've broken down the process into five simple steps; steps that are manageable on their own, but add up to (hopefully!) make a huge impact. Without the support of our statewide network of volunteers, donors, and CASA supporters standing up and fighting against CASA losing its state funding, however, that impact can't be made. Please take a few minutes to look below at ways that you can help advocate for CASA!

• Step One: Register for Advocacy Day on February 12th!

Register ASAP to come to Advocacy Day at http://www.washingtonstatecasa.org/events/advocacy-day. If you can only do one thing off this list, this is the thing to do!

There are still quite a few districts that don't have volunteers signed up to speak to their legislators on Advocacy Day... you can help fill in the gaps! This is a great opportunity because not only are you helping to ensure that advocacy for abused and neglected children remains strong in Washington, but it's pretty neat to be a part of your government process.

• Step Two: Recruit a buddy to join you at Advocacy Day, and write a letter to your legislator
  

The more people who come to Advocacy Day, the louder our message to maintain CASA funding will be! (Added incentive: if you're nervous to meet with a legislator alone, bring along a buddy from your district and you can meet with your legislator together.

If you can't come to Advocacy Day but still want to help, get in touch with me (206.667.9716 or alazarewicz@wacasa.org) and I'll send you a template letter that you can fill in with your information and then mail to your legislators. It's super easy and super effective.

• Step Three: Call the Legislative Hotline

Call1.800.562.6000 to reach Washington's legislative hotline. You'll be prompted to leave a message for your legislators, to which you can say, "Thank you for your support of CASA in the past. The governor's budget proposedeliminating Washington State CASA's funding, but it's imperative that funding remains in the final state budget because Washington State CASA provides essential services to local CASA programs, enabling them to more effectively and efficiently serve dependent children."

• Step Four: Come to Advocacy Day!
  

Come meet us in Olympia to meet with your legislators! We'll be meeting at 10:00 to prepare you for your appointments, to meet other CASA folk from around the state, and to have lunch (provided by WaCASA). It will be a GREAT time. 

• Step Five: Follow up with your legislators

After Advocacy Day, it's important that we stay at the top of the legislature's radar. Send thank you cards to your legislators, reminding them about CASA and saying how much you appreciate their taking the time to chat with you. Send a plethora of emails and letters in the following weeks. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, so spend the weeks after Advocacy Day squeaking!

As always, give me a call if you have any questions, concerns, or want to chat about how you can help advocate for CASA in Washington.